Sen. Erika Geiss

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's existing port authority laws to clarify definitions and expand the operational powers of these agencies. It specifically allows port authorities to enter into a wider variety of financial agreements, such as lines of credit and insurance contracts, to manage their funding. The legislation also grants authorities the ability to pledge the full faith and credit of their cities or counties to secure debt for projects and permits them to operate leased facilities if a tenant defaults. These changes directly affect local governments and port authorities by providing them with more flexible tools to finance and manage maritime infrastructure and related commercial facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to explicitly include lactating status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions within the legal definition of "sex." By updating definitions for employer, employment agency, and public service, the legislation ensures that discrimination protections against these conditions apply broadly across workplaces, public accommodations, and state services. The change directly affects individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as the businesses and organizations that employ or serve them, by clarifying that denying rights based on these statuses constitutes illegal discrimination.

Maddy summarySB 1000 updates the definitions used in Michigan's ABLE program, which helps individuals with disabilities save money for expenses like housing and education. The bill specifically clarifies how the state interprets federal tax laws by setting the reference date for the Internal Revenue Code to January 1, 2024, or allowing taxpayers to choose the current year's version. This change ensures that the program's rules align with the most recent federal guidelines regarding who qualifies for the account and what expenses are covered. As a result, residents of Michigan and other states with similar programs can continue to use their savings accounts without confusion over outdated tax definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to address crimes involving the provision of adulterated or raw human milk for consumption. It directly affects individuals charged with distributing unsafe human milk and the courts that determine their sentences. The legislation updates the legal framework to ensure these specific offenses are properly categorized and punished under the state's criminal code.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new regulations for human breast milk banks, hospitals, and companies in Michigan to ensure the safety and quality of milk provided to infants. It requires these entities to follow specific standards for processing, storing, and distributing milk, while also mandating health screenings for donors who provide milk for others. The legislation clarifies that providing breast milk for infant consumption is a service rather than a sale, but it prohibits the online sale of raw breast milk for valuable consideration. Violations of these rules, such as providing contaminated or unprocessed milk, can result in civil fines or criminal penalties depending on the severity of the harm caused.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to provide financial assistance to businesses that lose revenue due to unexpected street closures or road construction projects that run significantly longer than planned. To qualify for a grant, a business must prove a significant drop in profits over the previous three tax years, with each award capped at $15,000 per year. The Department of Transportation will manage the program, reviewing applications based on factors like the severity of traffic disruption and lack of pedestrian access, and must report annually on how funds are used. Money for these grants comes from a newly created fund in the state treasury, which can be funded by various sources and must be invested by the state treasurer.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pet Cemetery Regulation Act to create a legal framework for operating pet cemeteries and crematoriums in Michigan. It requires operators to file land dedications that permanently restrict property use for pet burial or entombment and mandates the creation of an endowed care fund, which must be funded by at least 15% of individual burial fees to ensure long-term site maintenance. The legislation also defines specific terms for various burial methods and sets a minimum size requirement of three acres for new pet cemeteries, while outlining procedures for reclaiming land if owners fail to pay required fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the fees that individuals must pay to file various civil cases in circuit courts. It specifically sets new dollar amounts for filing civil actions, appeals, jury trial demands, and motions, while also establishing fee exemptions for certain family law matters involving child custody or support. The legislation includes provisions for waiving these fees for indigent parties and outlines how collected funds will be distributed to state and county treasurers. Because the bill is tied to another piece of legislation, it will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1041 proposes to repeal a 1913 law that regulated telephone lines and companies in Michigan. This bill would remove the legal framework that designated telephone services as common carriers and assigned regulatory duties to the Public Service Commission. The legislation includes a condition that it only becomes effective if a separate, related bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summarySB 1040 proposes changes to Michigan's existing laws regarding home sales and telephone solicitations. The bill updates the official title of the statute and modifies specific sections that outline the rights and duties of parties involved in these transactions. Additionally, it repeals several older sections that previously regulated telephone solicitations. This legislation directly affects consumers and businesses engaged in home solicitation sales and phone marketing within the state.